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An Agency of the United States Government
Small Business Assistance

OPIC recognizes that U.S. small businesses looking to participate in the global marketplace have unique requirements. Lack of resources to pursue opportunities abroad, concern over political risks, or the inability to find private sector support can prevent small businesses from expanding overseas. To help meet these needs, OPIC can provide eligible businesses special financing and political risk insurance products which feature enhanced customer service, flexible coverage, and easier access to OPIC services through a streamlined approval process.

Small Business Financing
For U.S. companies with annual revenues less than $250 million, OPIC’s Small & Medium Enterprise Finance offers direct loans and loan guaranties from $100,000 up to $250 million to facilitate and support an overseas investment by a U.S. business. An OPIC loan can generally cover up to 60 percent of total project costs for new ventures, and up to 75 percent for expansions, including project development and up-front financing costs, capital expenditure requirements and working capital. > Learn more.

For qualified U.S. companies with annual revenues less than $35 million, OPIC’s Small Business Center (SBC) offers a more specialized product to meet the unique needs of a small business.  Loan amounts for overseas investments range from $100,000 to $10 million with terms from 3-15 years. > Learn more.

To determine whether your project may be eligible for OPIC financing, review the Eligibility Checklist.

Small Business Political Risk Insurance Coverage
To protect the overseas investment of a U.S. small business from political uncertainties, OPIC provides insurance against loss or damage resulting from political violence, expropriation, or the inability to convert local currency.

OPIC can insure up to $250 million per project for a maximum 20-year term at fixed rates for the life of the insurance contract. There is no minimum investment size requirement, and coverage is available for equity investments, parent company and third-party loans and loan guaranties, technical assistance agreements, cross-border leases, contractors' and exporters' exposures, and other forms of investment.  

U.S. small businesses that receive OPIC loans through the Small Business Center (SBC) are eligible for OPIC’s insurance “wrap,” which provides political risk insurance at a reduced rate. The small business loan borrower may elect this insurance coverage for up to $6 million of its equity investments. > Learn more.